Guest blogger

Back in June my friend Mads and I decided to ride to Brighton, the route would be semi-off road (read: bridleways) and would involve one night camping, a perfect opportunity for me to test my newly acquired bike packing gear. Come Saturday morning we set off a bit late (Mads had been out the night before, I am lazy), and headed to the Hampton Ferry (Founded in 1514, it’s one of the oldest companies in the UK). The ferry man said we were lucky to arrive when we did as it had been raining torrentially shortly before, we’d been blissfully unaware in a bubble of sunshine, clearly a good omen. Following the Thames South West for most of the route, we eventually turned due South to camp just below Guildford. We pitched camp, setting up under my tarp, and deciding to go the pub for beer, we were also treated to a free lecture from the landlord on the evils of the EU.

Day two brought a bright morning, and a slug who had decided to have an adventure of his own, into my sleeping bag. Enlivened by beans and hot beverages we packed up and hit the road. Most of the the route followed a disused rail line, until we turned off for lunch in the shadow of the South Downs Way. It came as a welcome break as the path I’d picked to turn off involved a fair portion of riding through waist high nettles and brambles mixed in with long grass which threatened to jam our derailleurs. Once revived we scaled the chalk wall and rode a short section of the South Downs Way before descending into Brighton for some much needed fish and chips.

A week after Skulls finished the Straggler for me I took it for it’s first little test ride to the South Downs.

Day one was riding the London>Brighton off road route to the pub in Petworth for dinner and beers, then a quick blast out of town to some local woods to camp. Day 2 took us on a mix of roads and singletrack along to the New Forest for another sleep under the stars (rain). Great riding, lots of drinking and some “camp vibes”. The bike swallowed it all up no problem and with some tweaks over winter it’ll be ready for a longer trip on the Tour Divide route next summer.

About Us

SBC Cycles is an independent, mechanic owned and run bike shop in the heart of East London. You'll find us near Old Street, a stones throw from Shoreditch Park, in the middle of Hoxton, west of Hackney, east of Angel and south of Islington. We specialise in custom built bicycles and wheel building. We have a fully equipped professional bicycle workshop which will cater for any repair you could possibly need. With nearly 30 years combined experience Jamie and Mark work in every area of cycling; commuting, touring, road, MTB, adventure, track and fixed gear cycling.